Supporting Statement for OMB No

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SUPPORTING STATEMENT - PART A for
OMB Control Number 0560-0190:  
Power of Attorney 

Jody Kenworthy
Agriculture Program Specialist
USDA, Farm Service Agency
1400 Independence Ave., SW
Washington, D.C. 20250


Table of Contents
A1. Circumstances that make the collection of information necessary.	3
A2. Purpose and Use of the Information.	3
A3.  Use of information technology and burden reduction.	3
A4.  Efforts to identify duplication.	3
A5.  Impacts on small businesses or other small entities.	4
A6.  Consequences of collecting the information less frequently.	4
A7.  Special circumstances relating to the Guidelines of 5 CFR 1320.5.	4
A8.  Comments to the Federal Register Notice and efforts for consultation.	5
A9.  Explain any decisions to provide any payment or gift to respondents.	5
A10.  Assurances of confidentiality provided to respondents.	5
A11.  Justification for any questions of a sensitive nature.	5
A12.  Estimates of the hour burden of the collection of information.	6
A13.  Estimates of other total annual cost burden.	6
A14.  Provide estimates of annualized cost to the Federal government.	6
A15.  Explanation of program changes or adjustments.	7
A16.  Plans for tabulation, and publication and project time schedule.	7
A17.  Displaying the OMB Approval Expiration Date.	7
A18.  Exceptions to the certification statement identified in Item 19.	7





A1. Circumstances that make the collection of information necessary.

Identify any legal or administrative requirements that necessitate the collection. Attach a copy of the appropriate section of each statute and regulation mandating or authorizing the collection of information.

FSA requests a revision of a currently approved information collection.  
Customer signatures are required for participants to obtain most USDA benefits.  FSA requires customer signatures to ensure that the purpose of the applicable program is to achieve and verify the validity of information provided by the customer and provide a necessary basis for pursuing legal remedies in the event of error or fraud.  Collecting and maintaining a valid power of attorney allows us to accept an individual’s signature on behalf of another producer, thereby reducing the number of producers that may otherwise be required to sign applicable documents.

There is no public law requiring the use or collection of information for power of attorney authority.  The option to allow producers to appoint an attorney-in-fact is provided for certain FSA and NRCS programs and related actions and FCIC under RMA crop insurance policies and related transactions to lessen the burden on the producers, provide a method of verifying the validity of the information, and provide a necessary basis for pursuing legal remedies when needed.

A2. Purpose and Use of the Information.

Indicate how, by whom, and for what purpose the information is to be used.  Except for a new collection, indicate how the agency has actually used the information received from the current collection.

Customer signatures are used primarily to formalize agreements and contracts that render the signatory legally liable for the terms and conditions of the agreement or contract.  The FSA-211/FSA-211A is used to appoint an individual or entity, such as a farm management company, to act on behalf of another individual or entity.  Providing the information is voluntary and a one-time occurrence.  The FSA-211/FSA-211A is maintained on file in the USDA Service Centers.  The FSA-211/FSA-211A is used for certain FSA and NRCS programs and related actions and FCIC under RMA crop insurance policies and related transactions.  

The affected public is Individuals or Households, Private Sector-Farms, and business or other for-profit.  Producers may obtain the FSA-211/FSA-211A from the USDA eforms website (https://forms.sc.egov.usda.gov/eForms/searchAction.do?pageAction=BrowseForms&_MenuAction=Yes) or directly from a USDA Service Center.  The form(s) may be printed and completed outside of a USDA Service Center and mailed to the service center or completed in-person at the USDA Service Center.  The original form(s) is maintained at the USDA Service Center; however, producers are provided with a copy of the completed form(s) for their records.

The information collected on FSA-211/FSA-211A is limited to:

    • Name and address of the person being appointed attorney-in-fact;
    • Name and Signature of Grantor; or 
    • Indication of applicable FSA and NRCS programs and related actions and FCIC under RMA crop insurance policies and related transactions.

A3.  Use of information technology and burden reduction.  

Describe whether, and to what extent, the collection of information involves the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses, and the basis for the decision for adopting this means of collection. Also describe any consideration of using information technology to reduce burden.

FSA makes every effort to comply with the E-Government Act, 2002 (E-Gov) and to provide for alternative submission of information collections. An original signature from both the Grantor and the witness, either an FPAC employee or Notary Public, is needed to authenticate the validity of the information and pursue legal remedies, when necessary.  However, the forms and the instructions are available online through USDA e-Forms website.  0% of respondents will report electronically.

A4.  Efforts to identify duplication. 

Describe efforts to identify duplication.  Show specifically why any similar information already available cannot be used or modified for use for the purposes described in Question 2.

Every effort has been made to avoid duplication. There is similar data collected, however, those do not meet the agency’s need. The form is used by FSA, NRCS, and FCIC under RMA.  FSA did review the use of the form with other agencies, such as Rural Development (RD) to identify opportunities for consolidated use.  FSA determined that the use of the form by RD was not appropriate because RD accepts power of attorney signatures on a case-by-case basis only and only in limited circumstances.  The agency has reviewed USDA reporting requirements, state administrative agency reporting requirements, and special studies by other government and private agencies. FSA solely administers and monitors the program ensure integrity. The information required for data collection is not currently reported to any other agency on a regular basis in a standardized form.

A5.  Impacts on small businesses or other small entities.  

If the collection of information impacts small businesses or other small entities (Item 5 of OMB Form 83-I), describe any methods used to minimize burden.

The information requested is the minimum amount required to meet program requirements. The information collected does not adversely impact small businesses or other small entities.  FSA estimates about 11,000 respondents that are small entities or small businesses in this collection.  

A6.  Consequences of collecting the information less frequently.  

Describe the consequence to Federal program or policy activities if the collection is not conducted, or is conducted less frequently, as well as any technical or legal obstacles to reducing burden.

This information collection is voluntary and is a one-time information collection request unless the producer wants to invalidate the form and complete a new one.  The information is collected only when individuals or entities want to appoint a person or entity to act as an attorney-in-fact in connection with certain FSA and NRCS programs and FCIC under RMA crop insurance policies.  There are no consequences to Federal program or policy activities if the information is collected less frequently.

A7.  Special circumstances relating to the Guidelines of 5 CFR 1320.5.  

Explain any special circumstances that would cause an information collection to be conducted in a manner: 
    • Requiring respondents to report information to the agency more often than quarterly; 
There are no special circumstances for FSA to conduct the collection of information.

    • Requiring respondents to prepare a written response to a collection of information in fewer than 30 days after receipt of it; 
There are no special circumstances for FSA to conduct the collection of information.
    • Requiring respondents to submit more than an original and two copies of any document; 
There are no special circumstances for FSA to conduct the collection of information.
    • Requiring respondents to retain records, other than health, medical, government contract, grant-in-aid, or tax records for more than three years;
There are no special circumstances for FSA to conduct the collection of information.
    • In connection with a statistical survey, that is not designed to produce valid and reliable results that can be generalized to the universe of study; 
There are no special circumstances for FSA to conduct the collection of information.
    • Requiring the use of a statistical data classification that has not been reviewed and approved by OMB;
There are no special circumstances for FSA to conduct the collection of information.
    • That includes a pledge of confidentiality that is not supported by authority established in statute or regulation, that is not supported by disclosure and data security policies that are consistent with the pledge, or which unnecessarily impedes sharing of data with other agencies for compatible confidential use; or 
There are no special circumstances for FSA to conduct the collection of information.
    • Requiring respondents to submit proprietary trade secret, or other confidential information unless the agency can demonstrate that it has instituted procedures to protect the information's confidentiality to the extent permitted by law.
There are no special circumstances for FSA to conduct the collection of information.

A8.  Comments to the Federal Register Notice and efforts for consultation.  

If applicable, provide a copy and identify the date and page number of publication in the Federal Register of the agency's notice, required by 5 CFR 1320.8 (d), soliciting comments on the information collection prior to submission to OMB. Summarize public comments received in response to that notice and describe actions taken by the agency in response to these comments. Specifically address comments received on cost and hour burden.	

Describe efforts to consult with persons outside the agency to obtain their views on the availability of data, frequency of collection, the clarity of instructions and recordkeeping, disclosure, or reporting format (if any), and on the data elements to be recorded, disclosed, or reported.  

Consultation with representatives of those from whom information is to be obtained or those who must compile records should occur at least once every 3 years even if the collection of information activity is the same as in prior years. There may be circumstances that may preclude consultation in a specific situation. These circumstances should be explained.

A 60-day notice for public comment was published in the Federal Register on March 17, 2026, FR citation 91 FR 12752. One comment was received on May 18, 2026. The received comment was regarding pig farming in China and did not address any concerns or mentioned the FSA-211, Power of Attorney information collection. FSA’s response: This comment does not pertain to the FSA-211.

The following individuals were consulted regarding this information collection, and they do not have any comments on the information collection. One individual declined to share their contact information.
    1. Brad K. [email protected]
    2. Kathy S.
    3. Paul G. [email protected]
A9.  Explain any decisions to provide any payment or gift to respondents.  

Explain any decision to provide any payment or gift to respondents, other than remuneration of contractors or grantees.

There are no payments or gifts provided to respondents.
A10.  Assurances of confidentiality provided to respondents.  

Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for the assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy.


The information collected through the Power of Attorney forms FSA-211 and FSA-211A, is Protected under the Privacy Act, FOIA, USDA’s regulations at 7 CFR Part 1, and the applicable USDA/FSA-2 (published March 22, 2019 at 84 FR 10775) routine uses.  The information is used only to verify the person granting power of attorney and the individual or organization authorized to act on their behalf.  It may be shared only when allowed by law, regulations, or an approved routine use.

This package was reviewed and approved by FPAC Assistant Privacy Officer, Samantha Jones, on DATE, May 19, 2026.

A11.  Justification for any questions of a sensitive nature.    

Provide additional justification for any questions of a sensitive nature, such as sexual behavior or attitudes, religious beliefs, and other matters that are commonly considered private.  This justification should include the reasons why the agency considers the questions necessary, the specific uses to be made of the information, the explanation to be given to persons from whom the information is requested, and any steps to be taken to obtain their consent.

No questions of a sensitive or personal nature are included in the FSA-211/FSA-211A.
A12.  Estimates of the hour burden of the collection of information.  

Provide estimates of the hour burden of the collection of information.  Indicate the number of respondents, frequency of response, annual hour burden, and an explanation of how the burden was estimated.

A.	Indicate the number of respondents, frequency of response, annual hour burden, and an explanation of how the burden was estimated.  If this request for approval covers more than one form, provide separate hour burden estimates for each form and aggregate the hour burdens in Item 13 of OMB Form 83-I.

USDA estimates that 16,000 producers may use these forms; Individuals or households: 2,000, Business or other for-profit: 250 and Farms: 13,750. As shown in the Reporting and Recordkeeping Requirements spreadsheet, the annual burden for this information collection request is 7,750 hours.

FSA-211 and 211A – Power of Attorney - Producers use the form to authorize someone else to conduct business with the county FSA office.  The estimated burden hours for the FSA-211 is 7,500 (15,000 x 30 minutes).  Some producers need to complete FSA-211A for the continuation, and the estimated burden hours for this form is 250 (1,000 x 15 minutes).

B.Provide estimates of annualized cost to respondents for the hour burdens for collections of information, identifying and using appropriate wage rate categories.

The respondents’ estimated annual costs in providing the information is $469,882.50.  This total was estimated by multiplying the estimate of 7,750 hours burden hours incurred by producers and handlers by $46.75, the average hourly rate for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural managers (Bureau of Labor Statistics; Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024). Fringe benefits for all private industry workers are an additional 29.7 percent, or $13.88, resulting in a total of $60.63 per hour.   The estimated cost is $ 469,882.50 ($60.63 x 7,750 burden hours).

A13.  Estimates of other total annual cost burden.

Provide estimates of the total annual cost burden to respondents or recordkeepers resulting from the collection of information, (do not include the cost of any hour burden shown in questions 12 and 14).  The cost estimates should be split into two components: (a) a total capital and start-up cost component annualized over its expected useful life; and (b) a total operation and maintenance and purchase of services component.

There are no capital, startup, or ongoing operation or maintenance costs associated with this information collection to respondents or record-keepers.

A14.  Provide estimates of annualized cost to the Federal government.  

Provide estimates of annualized cost to the Federal government.  Provide a description of the method used to estimate cost and any other expense that would not have been incurred without this collection of information.

The total annualized cost to the Federal Government is $266,960 ($33.37 x 16,000 responses x 0.5).

The estimated FSA county employee cost per response is equal to 0.5 hours for reviewing the FSA-211, witnessing the form, if needed, and adding the information into software, multiplied by $25.47 (estimated county employee average hourly wage; based on 2026 General Schedule, Grade 7, Step 8). Fringe benefits for all government workers are an additional 31 percent, or $7.90, resulting in a total of $33.37 per hour.  

A15.  Explanation of program changes or adjustments.

Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments reported in Items 13 or 14 of the OMB Form 83-I.

FSA requests a revision of a currently approved information collection. The currently approved total annual responses 16,000 and the total annual burden hours 7,750; this request for these burden activities remains unchanged.  While the total burden hours have not changed, the total annual cost to the Federal Government has decreased significantly. This is due to the fact that it is estimated to take FSA county employees 30 minutes to act on an FSA-211, as opposed to an hour that was used to calculate the amount on the previous statement. 

The FSA-211, Power of Attorney form and its instructions and the FSA-211A, Power of Attorney Signature Continuation Sheet and its instructions have been updated to better describe the FSA and NRCS actions that the Grantee may be allowed to perform on behalf of the Grantor. By signing the updated FSA-211, the Grantor certifies to reading and understanding a list of policies. These changes will not change the amount of time it will take to complete the forms.

A16.  Plans for tabulation, and publication and project time schedule. 

For collections of information whose results are planned to be published, outline plans for tabulation and publication.

The information collected is not intended for publication.

A17.  Displaying the OMB Approval Expiration Date.

If seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of the information collection, explain the reasons that display would be inappropriate.

The form is used for both non-exempt and exempt FSA programs.  FSA will include both the OMB Control Number and the expiration date.

A18.  Exceptions to the certification statement identified in Item 19.  

Explain each exception to the certification statement identified in Item 19 of the OMB  83-I" Certification for Paperwork Reduction Act."

FSA certified that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).